Plateau: Group tasks residents on tolerance

Stakeholders working on the permanent restoration of peace in Plateau State have been urged to redouble efforts at preaching and promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence as no development can take place in a state of continuous rancour.

The stakeholders were also tasked on networking with relevant groups and individuals to ensure the existing peace achieved in the State is sustained by consistently engaging in dialogue with community members to ensure they desist from the temptation of getting involved in violence.

The charge was given during a three- day meeting with theme: “Advocacy and Coalition/Networking: The Central Role of Civil Society Organisations in the Strategy for a Lasting Peace in Jos.”

The meeting which was held in Jos, the State capital, was organised by Apurimac Onlus, Centre for Advocacy, Justice and Rights and the Centre for Peace Advancement in Nigeria but funded by the European Union and attended by 35 participants from the State.

Addressing participants, Project Officer of CAJR, Mr. Choji Pwakim, stated that the meeting was aimed at enhancing CSOs capacity in the area of networking. Pwakim disclosed thus: “We are here to synergise, prepare our minds to join hands, work together and fashion out better ways of achieving lasting peace in the State.”

Also, Rev. Samuel Goro, who is the Director of Centre for Peace and Advancement in Nigeria, CEPAN, stated the meeting was held to discuss ways of strengthening the existing peace in the State.

He added that steps have been taken by participants in terms of continuously urging community members to desist from violence as well as well organising dialogue meetings and peace education, saying the efforts are yielding positive results.